The hotel lobby is always a great place to people watch and with the Radisson Blu Royal Viking there are added benefits; a snack table with fruit infused water, apples and nibbles.
A dream come true.
Situated right next to Central Station, Stockholm’s major transport hub, it is easy to get to any of the city’s major attractions, but you can just as easily walk 15 minutes to Gamla Stan the city’s famous old town.
Excitement is in the air here; the hotel as just completed a top to toe refurbishment just in time for her 35th birthday celebrations. She has always been something of an icon in Stockholm’s business scene; the top floor bar HIGH a focal point for many a deal over a cocktail with a bird’s eye view of the city. Now the Royal Viking looks ready to party. Spanish designer Proyecto Singular has added an almost Mediterranean feel to a contemporary stone, metal and glass theme that belies this lady’s 35 years.
Hidden away down a spiral staircase I discover an enormous gym, spa and swimming pool, unusual for a city centre hotel but gratefully received nonetheless.
My top floor room is far enough away from HIGH to resist any impulses to pop in for a quick one, although as it’s opposite the elevator any arrival delay just might break my resistance.
My Superior room’s a lovely space and has that new just-minted smell about it. Pastel tones and wood floor are gratefully received, as is the view from my window of the old town across Lake Mälaren. Tucked away in the hall, I spot a Nespresso machine winking at me and, thankfully, proper little sustainable milk cartons too, so I pour myself a swift one, gaze out at the city and have a moment. The king bed welcomes me like an old friend and with the linen suitably threaded, I look forward to a snug and comfortable night ahead.
Back downstairs though I have a dinner date at Stockholm Fisk, one of the hottest fish restaurants in town and its right here in the hotel. Fisk has also benefited from a complete makeover. I notice the unusual firework burst lighting while I bag one of the new velvety banquettes directly facing the huge floor to ceiling windows; perfect for watching the world go by on Vasagatan. I love the wooden paddles that come with the butter; very Nordic. Herring is a staple in Sweden so my partner goes straight for it;
Baltic herring with baked egg, onions, sour cream and hazelnut mayo (SEK 159). I, on the other hand, spoil myself with a delicious mix of fresh burrata, Viken tomatoes, rocket, basil and olive oil. (SEK 159). I’m also a sucker for charcuterie, so I get a side of thinly sliced Ibérica ham too.
Fisk is obviously famous for fish and particularly its seafood platter for two (SEK 1395). A spectacularly huge dish materialises with lobster, king crab, fresh and smoked prawns, Belon oysters and aioli mayo. A total showstopper.
The Radisson Blu Royal Viking’s new look has done wonders for this mature Stockholm lady. She looks so contemporary they might need to double-check the number of candles on the upcoming birthday cake.
The Radisson Collection Strand Hotel
Just a 15-minute walk away from the Royal Viking this is another exceptional Radisson hotel right by Stockholm’s most exclusive boulevard, Strandvägen. You are so close to the waterfront here, you can almost touch it which is great news if you want to catch an archipelago cruise as the dock is here too. This historic property has been offering hospitality since 1912 and was a favourite watering hole for Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. But this is no antique, it is beautifully contemporary and has a luxury boutique vibe to it even though, surprisingly, it has 170 rooms and suites.
Plush velvety settees and armchairs adorn the spacious lobby lounge and the Swedish brasserie offers up a delicious breakfast buffet.
Tell me more about Radisson Hotels in Stockholm
The Radisson Blu Royal Viking, Vasagatan 1, Stockholm SE-101 24 Sweden
T: +46 8 50654000 E: info.royal.stockholm@radissonblu.com
Nightly room rates are from SEK 1453.50 (around £124)
The Radisson Collection Strand, Nybrokajen, 9 P.O. Box 16396, S-103 27 Stockholm, Sweden
T: +46 8 50664000 E: info.stockholm@radissoncollection.com
Nightly room rates are from SEK 1705.50 (around £146)
For the best rates for both of these hotels click here.
Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express has a high-frequency, non-stop shuttle service to London Victoria in the heart of London. There’s a new Gatwick Express Lounge and the introduction of Oyster and Contactless payments on the route. Book online at Gatwick Express for a 10% discount.
